A couple of thoughts. The broken ends, if they can be fit back together, would have a lot of gluing area, and that patch would wind up stronger than the rest of the shaft if you choose to repair it that way.

The ferrules that I have seen actually add length to the shaft. That is, the cut ends of the wood part don't match up face to face, but are separated by a couple inches. So you may be able to maintain overall length even after surgical repair of the broken ends. Check out some ferrules and bring your tape measure. I think Doc Freeman's in Ballard stocks them. Some fairing may be necessary to transition from the oval shaft to the round ferrule, but that stil sounds easier and stronger than grafting the blades to a new shaft.

: I am sitting here looking at my two piece sawyer arrowhead paddle that
: started life as a one piece sawyer arrowhead paddle. I never intended it
: to be a two piece paddle but as a result of a poorly executed paddle float
: self rescue practice - SNAP!! (glad I decided to practice with my old
: extra paddle) The Shaft broke in two about an inch off the mid point.
: Jagged angular break that covers about 1.5 inches from solid shaft to
: splintered end. No cracking of the shaft beyond the "splinter
: zone" is obvious.

: I would like to attempt a repair if that is possible. The blades of the
: paddle are still in fine shape and I need a back up paddle. I am not sure
: the best method for doing so. Seems obvious that I have to cut away the
: splintered ends of the shaft where it broke. Then what are my options? Cut
: them evenly and add a ferrel in the middle? I think this may shorten the
: paddle by several inches. Cut them at an angle and scarf them back
: together? Make a new shaft and graft the blades to it? Also, this is an
: oval shaft which I think may complicate any scarfing job.

: All advice appreciated.

: Sheepish in Seattle